Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Raiders: Game preview and prediction

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Derek Carr #4 congratulates Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders after he caught a pass in the fourth quarter that set up the winning touchdown against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. This reception by Richard set up the winning touchdown for the Raiders. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Derek Carr #4 congratulates Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders after he caught a pass in the fourth quarter that set up the winning touchdown against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. This reception by Richard set up the winning touchdown for the Raiders. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Foster Moreau #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Darren Waller #83 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the game at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Foster Moreau #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Darren Waller #83 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the game at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Prediction

The Raiders are playing great football right now, and Derek Carr seems ready for prime time. Raider Nation will be out in full force on Thursday night, and just like on Sunday, the Coliseum will be rocking.

The main concern for the Raiders is the Chargers’ defense, but as of now, there is no reason to believe that the Raiders offense will not continue to impress. Everyone on the offense has looked better week after week, Carr is not relying on Waller anymore, and the rookies are really stepping up.

The Chargers are looking better lately, as well, as they are not relying on Philip Rivers to put up a ton of points to win each game. The defense is helping out for the first time in a while, which makes the Chargers a scary team on the come up.

The difference-maker in this game will be time of possession, something the Raiders will dominate. The Raiders are going to make their drives long and gritty, handing the ball to Josh Jacobs over and over and picking up first downs when needed.

The Chargers are going to throw the ball all over the Raiders, scoring basically whenever they want. Despite the Chargers’ defensive talent, the Raiders find a way to win this game on their way to a playoff run.

Prediction: Raiders 28, Chargers 24